Papanatha Temple is dedicated to Mukteswara constructed in 740 A.D.

Initially, the construction

was started with Nagara style, but later it was switched to Dravidian style. This combination of south
& north Indian characters, namely Dravidian & Nagara, some scholars refer to as Vesara. The
Shikhara belongs to the Rekha-Nagara type while the other characters like shala, kuta & hara belong
to the Dravidian type. The sculptors who designed Virupaksha temple also designed Papanatha
temple, namely Sarvasiddhi Achari, Beladeva & Changamma.
The wall surfaces are relieved with niches (devakoshthas) housing Saiva & Vaishnava deities &
depicting episodes from the Ramayana.
Pillars of the entrance porch bear Kinnara couples & engaged columns have the figures of
Dvarapalas. Lions & sardulas are carved at the corners above the entablature & the ceiling panel
depicts dancing Siva with Parvati & musicians & flying figures.
Some information about the inside of the temple, Pillars & pilasters of the other mandapa's are
relieved with medium-sized graceful sculptures of damsels & couples (mithunas) in playful moods.
The central bay ceiling of the sabha-mandapa is adorned with panels depicting Anantasayana
surrounded by the Dikpalas, nagaraja & Gajalakshmi from east to west. Here figures of rearing lions
are cared projecting from above the entablature. Central ceiling of the ardha-mandapa has relief
sculpture of dancing Siva in the company of Parvati & musicians. The western ceiling here has figure
of Nagaraja. Both the mandapa's & the sanctum have ornate doorframes.